We headed out to sea in the large rubber boat. It came equipped with oars, so getting around was easy. I decided not to put on any airs this time and left the rowing to Anima.
I’d rowed a boat before during an outing with Olivia-san, but there was no guarantee I could handle the choppy ocean waves as well as she could. Besides, there was no competing with the sheer difference in physical strength between Anima and me.
"Sorry for sticking you with the rowing, Anima."
"Not at all! I’m actually happy you’re relying on me, Master. Besides, this is no trouble for me. It's hardly a burden at all."
To Anima, it seemed like she was barely moving the oars; the resistance of the waves didn’t appear to affect her in the slightest. She looked positively radiant, likely enjoying the fact that I’d entrusted her with the task.
However, sitting directly across from her made it difficult to know where to look. With her right in front of me in her swimsuit, my eyes kept wanting to wander to places they shouldn't. It was probably for the best that her swimsuit featured a hot pants-like design.
"We’ve made it pretty far out. Man, the breeze feels amazing."
"It is quite lovely. The weather is perfect, and the sun isn’t too intense. How much further would you like to go, Master?"
"Ah, you can stop whenever you think we’re far enough. The plan was just to drift and relax on the waves, anyway."
"Understood. I’ll stop here, then."
We didn't technically need to be this far out, but it was all about the atmosphere. The breeze was refreshing, and the surface of the water glittered with a brilliant light. The sea was so clear I could see fish swimming beneath us from time to time. It really did feel like a tropical resort.
"Since the boat is big enough, do you want to lie down for a bit?"
"I-I see... Yes, that would be the natural next step. Though, it might be a bit tight for two people... we’ll end up quite close. Ah, well, we were even closer this morning, so I suppose it’s a bit late to worry about that."
"That’s true."
Even though it was "large," it wasn’t exactly a lifeboat. It was built for two, and the width was a bit narrower than a standard bed. If we lay down side-by-side, we were definitely going to be pressed together.
"I’m not trying to force you or anything, of course."
"No, I was just caught off guard! I’m a bit shy, but your suggestion makes me very happy. Just imagining it makes me feel... blissful."
"Then, shall we lie down together?"
"Yes."
It was just my own impression, but it seemed like Anima had turned a corner after this morning—or maybe since our bath yesterday. She was no longer being unnecessarily reserved as an attendant; instead, she was trying to communicate her desires and feelings honestly as a lover. Seeing her express her wish to lie with me despite her embarrassment made things much easier for me.
We lay down together on the boat. I was trying to act cool, but I was actually pretty nervous.
"W-What is this? We’re technically further apart than we were this morning, but being in our swimsuits makes me feel strangely tense."
"Haha, I know what you mean. I’m pretty nervous too."
"You are, Master?"
"Yeah. I’m trying to stay composed for your sake, but you’re beautiful and attractive, Anima. Staring at each other this close is bound to make my heart race."
"Au... I-Is that so?"
Her eyes went wide at my blunt admission. She looked embarrassed, yet she couldn't hide a happy smile.
"I’m so glad you feel that way... even if it is bashful. Um... should we move a little closer?"
"Sure. It might help with the balance."
"T-Then, if you'll excuse me."
Anima could be surprisingly bold once she made up her mind. She gently snuggled against me. My face burned as our skin met—a sensation entirely different from cuddling in bed—and we instinctively embraced. No words were needed. The feeling of our damp skin touching was strangely pleasant as the boat rocked gently on the waves. We savored that blissful moment in silence.
Machina: "Mmm, the compatibility between popping candy and chocolate is outstanding!"
???: "I have a question, after Machina finishes eating everything, where does Serious-senpai resurrect from?"
Machina: "Don't they just grow from around there?"
???: "It's really unpleasant that I can actually feel like 'ah, I see' hearing that. I mean really, what kind of biology does that person have..."